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SXSW is the abbreviated term for the South by Southwest Music Festival—one of the best festivals in Austin Texas. Held in March, the South by Southwest Music Festival is more than just your average music festival. It is also a film and interactive festival, with the interactive exhibits focusing on forward-thinking media and technology. The music tends to get the most attention at this Austin music festival, as thousands of musical acts figure on the itinerary. These acts hail from different parts of the planet, giving the festival a culturally rich appeal.

SXSW got its start in 1987, and it has managed to gain an excellent reputation over a relatively short amount of time. This has a lot to do with the quality of the programming and the mix of experiences that the festival has to offer. Thousands of musical acts perform on more than 80 different stages in the Downtown District during this Austin music festival, and while some of the acts are well established, others are just starting to make a name for themselves. Thanks to the fact that the South by Southwest Music Festival is one of the entertainment industry's most important festivals, up-and-coming bands will have a good opportunity to get some attention. The Auditorium Shores Stage near Zilker Park is the scene for many of the top-rated concerts, and one of the best things about these concerts is the fact that they are free. Adding to the fun are free music handouts, food vendors, and arts and crafts stands.

The SXSW is also part trade show and part conference. Interactive media is at the heart of things when it comes to the festival's interactive events, and various speakers join numerous vendors to provide a dazzling affair for technology enthusiasts. The digital age that we live in is an exciting one, and there may be no better festival in the country for those who want to delve into the digital realms. The Austin Convention Center serves as the main venue for the interactive events, and there are some excellent hotels close by for those who want to stay close to the action. These hotels include the Four Seasons Austin and the Omni Hotel Austin.

For film enthusiasts, the South by Southwest Austin Music Festival includes a cool film festival that includes film screenings, various film-related conferences, and an array of networking parties for those who are in the business. Filmmakers mix with film fans, distribution company big wigs, directors, actors, and a host of other types of people during the SXSW Film Festival, and trade shows add to the atmosphere. Many of the films that are showcased during the festival are from other countries and would otherwise be hard to come by. Filmmakers from the U.S. and abroad can always submit their own films in hopes that they will be screened. Movie submissions are accepted between August and early December. There are lots of fun things to do in Austin Texas, and for film enthusiasts, taking part in the SXSW film festival is one of the most attractive options.

For those who are interested in SXSW tickets, buying them in advance is the recommended option. You can get yours right here on the Destination360 website. For those who live in the Austin area, getting SXSW tickets will be easier, and are available at the Convention Center or online. Regardless of where you decide to get your tickets, there are a few things to consider before you begin the process. For starters, single-day passes are not available for some of the events, especially when it comes to the interactive events. For the interactive festival, you will need to buy a two-day pass at the least.

Since SXSW tickets tend to be in very high demand, getting them as soon as possible is arguably the way to go. Often, special discounts are available through the various vendors, so keeping an eye out for savings can pay off. Once you secure your tickets, it is a good idea to secure a hotel room or an area vacation rental in short order, as lodging can be hard to find at the last minute.